Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine risk factors associated with female genital mutilation (FGM) during child delivery in Abia State – Nigeria. Information on the risk factors such as haemorrhage, perinea tear, urinary incontinence, and scar tissue formation were extracted from 840 case files randomly selected by systematic sampling technique from a sampling frame of 4,200 case files of women who were admitted for child delivery in two hospitals, from 2010-2014. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to complement the quantitative data extracted from hospital records. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using McNemar’s Test statistic, Odds Ratio (OR) and Chi-Square statistic in determining association and significance. The study identified four main risk factors associated with the practice of FGM during child birth. These include haemorrhage 45%; perinea tear 40%, urinary incontinence 44% and scar tissue formation 32%. Statistical analysis showed that there was association between FGM and haemorrhage 0.046, perinea tear (0.074); urinary incontinence (0.283) and scar tissue formation (0.164). The FGDs confirmed that FGM was still practiced in this part of the country. The study provided empirical evidence-based data in support of the factors or reasons for continued practice of FGM despite its ban in Nigeria. These included economic, socio-cultural imperative and ignorance. The prevalence of FGM was still high, 57%. Prospect of stopping the practice of FGM in this part of the world is far-fetched.
Keywords: Female genital mutilation, associated risk factors, at child delivery, Abia State, Nigeria.
Title: Studies on Risk Factors Associated With Female Genital Mutilation during Child Delivery in Abia State - Nigeria
Author: UDOCHI NWOSU, MADU AWA, IJEOMA NDUKA
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Research Publish Journals
